18 Nov 2015

Kopua expecting first child

2:38 pm on 18 November 2015

The Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua has withdrawn from national selection in 2016 as the 30-year-old expects her first child.

Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua

Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua Photo: Photosport

Kopua returned to the netball court in May following a serious knee injury to lead the Silver Ferns at Netball World Cup in Sydney and in the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup.

Earlier in the month Kopua was granted extended leave through until January next year by Netball New Zealand.

"It is an exciting time for Terry and I; we are looking forward to becoming parents for the first time and to start this next chapter in our lives," Kopua said.

Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby said Casey has been an integral part of the Silver Ferns programme; she's a real competitor and a fabulous leader.

"We wish her and Terry all the best at this special time and look forward to her return," Southby said.

The 2016 Silver Ferns Squad will be announced on next month.